Link-Plate Connection For Monopole Reinforcing Bars

ABSTRACT

Reinforcing bars include load transfer connectors. A link plate includes openings that mate with the load transfer connectors to overlie the splice between reinforcing bars being spliced. A cover plate may be fastened over the link plate.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/371,680, filed Dec. 7, 2016, which is a divisional of U.S.application Ser. No. 14/552,263, filed on Nov. 24, 2014 and issued asU.S. Pat. No. 9,546,497 on Jan. 17, 2017, which claims the priority ofU.S. provisional Application No. 62/026,522, filed on Jul. 18, 2014, thedisclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present application relates to methods and devices for reinforcingmonopoles. More specifically, the present invention includes link-platesreinforcing plates/bars attached to monopoles, where the link-platesinclude holes that mate with blocks welded or loose to pole reinforcingplates to provide a positive connection for transferring the axial loadsbetween the two reinforcing plates/bars.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The wireless telecommunications industry has been growing steadily for anumber of years. Consumers continue to demand more coverage, fasteraccess and improved functionality of wireless devices. The advent ofdata (in addition to voice) has taxed the ability of current networks tosupport the increased traffic and wireless Carriers are deploying newer,larger and more complex antennas and equipment to increase capacity.This affects both new and existing sites.

New sites are designed to support the larger and heavier equipment—butbuilding new sites is very expensive and is usually done as a lastresort and only when coverage areas are to be extended. The more commonpractice is to use existing sites and to simply replace equipment andantennas as needed. However, existing sites were not always designed forthe lateral loads caused by the wind forces on the additional equipmentand the supporting monopole must be augmented structurally to allow forthese larger antennas and equipment.

A common type of tower built in densely populated urban areas is themonopole. These monopoles are usually multi-sided or round tapered orstraight tubular structures with a very small profile and hence moreattractive from a zoning and siting approval standpoint. However, theseare also the more difficult to augment or modify structurally since thebolting of additional structural elements must be done from the outsideas they are too narrow to access from the inside.

One of the more common methods of strengthening these monopoles has beenthe addition of flat plates or bars to the “flats or flat sides” of themulti-sided structures. Similar concepts are used for cylindricalstructures. While this is fairly simple using bolts that can beinstalled from the outside, the magnitude of the forces seen in the flatplates or bars require very large quantities of bolts at the spliceconnections between the flat plates or bars for load transfer. Forexample, a typical splice requires the use of eighteen or more splicebolts per splice per reinforcing plate. Thus, a four-sided plateaugmentation design would require seventy-two bolts at each spliceelevation. Reinforcing a monopole from the ground to a one-hundredtwenty foot elevation may require five or more splices, resulting inmore than four-hundred bolts and four-hundred bolt holes to be drilledin the air in the field. As may be appreciated, drilling bolt holes intothe monopole and installing such flat plates at elevated heights can bevery costly and labor intensive.

As wireless networks continue to tax the structural capacity of existingmonopole structures, structural augmentation of these structures withflat plate reinforcing solutions will continue.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention include a device for reinforcing amonopole. In one optional embodiment, a device includes a plurality ofreinforcing plates or bars each having ends and a surface. Each of thereinforcing plates or bars includes at least one or two load transferconnectors attached to the reinforcing bar, proximate to at least one ofthe ends. The load transfer connectors may be attached to thereinforcing bars (such as by welding) or may be integrally formed withthe reinforcing bars or keyed in holes in the reinforcing bars. In oneoptional embodiment, the load transfer connectors are attached to thereinforcing bar surface. In another optional embodiment, the loadtransfer connectors may fit into openings in the reinforcing bar.

A device also includes a link-plate having one or more openings shapedto mate with the load transfer connectors. In this manner, adjoiningreinforcing bars may be spliced by overlaying the link plate over thereinforcing bars and mating the link plate openings with the loadtransfer connectors (also referred to as shear blocks) of each adjoiningreinforcing bar. In an optional embodiment, the mating connectionbetween the link plate openings and the load transfer connectors may bean interference fit, as known as a press fit or a friction fit, as thoseterms are commonly understood in mechanical engineering.

In an optional embodiment, the device may further include cover platepositioned to overlie the link plate openings while mated with the loadtransfer connectors.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an elevated perspective view of a pole and assembledlink-plate according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an elevated perspective view of an assembled link-plateaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an elevated perspective assembly view of a link-plateaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an elevated perspective view of a pole and assembledlink-plate according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an elevated perspective assembly view of a link-plateaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an elevated perspective view of a pole and assembledlink-plate according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an elevated perspective view of a pole and assembledlink-plate according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an elevated perspective assembly view of a link-plateaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION

Reference is now made to the figures wherein like parts are referred toby like numerals throughout. The present invention is a system forreinforcing a monopole which includes multiple reinforcing bars 100,101. In the optional embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-8, eachreinforcing bar 100, 101 includes an elongated, flat plate section,although the shape and dimensions of the reinforcing bars 100, 101 mayvary depending on the optional embodiment. As illustrated in thefigures, the plate sections of the reinforcing bars 100, 101 are sizedand shaped to lie along the surface of a monopole 200. For example, inan optional embodiment in which the monopole 200 has a polygonalcross-section, the plate section of the reinforcing bars 100, 101 may beflat. In other optional embodiments in which the monopole 200 has adifferent shape, such as a cylindrical cross-section, the plate sectionof the reinforcing bars may have a different shape.

The reinforcing bars 100, 101 are secured to the monopole 200,optionally using bolts or other fasteners 108. As explained in greaterdetail below, the reinforcing bars 100, 101 are linked together toreinforce the monopole, whether the reinforcing bars are subjected tocompression or tension forces.

The reinforcing bars 100, 101 also include load transfer connectors 105(also referred to as “shear blocks”). In the optional embodimentsillustrated in FIGS. 1-5, the load transfer connectors are rectangular.However, it is contemplated that the load transfer connectors 105 maytake any shape such as round, oval, square, triangular, or the like.Likewise, while the optional embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-8 showtwo load transfer connectors 105 per reinforcing bar 100, 101, anyquantity of one or more load transfer connectors 105 may be included.Likewise, the placement along the reinforcing bar 100, 101 could takeany pattern or form. For example, in the optional embodimentsillustrated in FIGS. 1-8, the load transfer connectors 105 are alignedalong the long axis of the reinforcing bars 100, 101. However, thisshould be interpreted as merely illustrative, since it is contemplatedthat the load transfer connectors 105 could be placed in any locationand with any pattern.

The load transfer connectors 105 illustrated in FIGS. 1-8 are attachedto the reinforcing bars 100, 101. In the optional embodiments of FIGS.1-5, the load transfer connectors 105 are attached to the surface of thereinforcing bars 100, 101. In the optional embodiment of FIGS. 6-8, theload transfer connectors 105 fit into openings 106 in a reinforcing bar100. As discussed in greater detail below, the load transfer connectors105 transfer loads between adjoining reinforcing bars 100, 101 of thereinforcing system. Thus, in the optional embodiments of FIGS. 1-8, theload transfer connectors 105 are located proximate to one end (FIGS.4-8) or both ends (FIGS. 1-3) of each reinforcing bar 100, 101. However,it is contemplated that the load transfer connectors 105 could, inalternate optional embodiments, be additionally, or alternativelydisposed along the surface of the reinforcing bars 100, 101 away fromthe ends of the reinforcing bars 100, 101. Again, it is contemplatedthat any quantity of load transfer connectors 105, of any shape anddistributed in any manner, may be provided on the reinforcing bars 100,101. In the optional embodiment of FIGS. 1-5, it is contemplated thatthe load transfer connectors 105 may be attached to the surface of thereinforcing bars 100, 101, such as by welding, or may be integrallyformed with the reinforcing bars 100, 101. In the optional embodiment ofFIGS. 6-8, it is contemplated that the load transfer connectors 105 maybe fitted into openings 106 in each reinforcing bar 100, 101 to beconnected.

A link plate 102 overlies the connection between reinforcing bars 100,101. The link plate 102 includes openings 106 that mate with the loadtransfer connectors 105. In one optional embodiment, the openings 106mate with the load transfer connectors 105 with an interference fit(also known as a friction fit or press fit, as those terms areunderstood in mechanical engineering). Alternatively, the matingconnection between the openings 106 and load transfer connectors 105 maybe a looser fit, e.g., a transition fit or running fit. The link plate102 serves to transfer loads between adjoining reinforcing bars 100, 101through the interface of the openings 106 and the load transferconnectors 105. Under load, the openings 106 of the link plate 102 bearagainst the load transfer connectors 105 of one or both of theunderlying reinforcing bars 100, 101, or vice versa, thereby reinforcingthe monopole 200. Specifically, as the monopole 200 is subjected tobending forces or moments, longitudinal tension or compression forcesare created in the reinforcing bars 100, 101. These forces aretransferred between the reinforcing bars 100, 101 through the loadtransfer connectors 105 and openings 106 of the link plate 102 thatconnect to the load transfer connectors 105.

In the optional embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, the link plate 102 may includeopenings 106 that mate with load transfer connectors 105 on bothreinforcing bars to be connected 100, 101. In another optionalembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4-8, the link plate 102 may be welded to(or otherwise attached to fastened to, or formed with) one reinforcingbar 100 with openings 106 to mate with load transfer connectors 105 onthe other reinforcing bar 101 to be connected. As may be appreciated,the link plate 102 of such an optional embodiment may be attached (e.g.,welded, fastened, or the like) to the reinforcing bar 100 in the shopprior to installation, in the field during installation, or any othertime.

In an optional embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, a cover plate 103overlies the link plate 102 that connects adjoining reinforcing bars100, 101 to one another. In one such optional embodiment, the coverplate 103 may be held to the link plate 102 with fasteners 104, such asa Type HB Hollo-Bolt™ or other types of fasteners and such bolts werenot intended to resist any of the longitudinal tension or compressionforces but merely to secure the assembly together.

In use, reinforcing bars 100, 101 may be secured to a monopole 200 usingbolts or other fasteners 108 that pass through the reinforcing bar 100,101 and into the monopole 200. Adjoining reinforcing bars 100, 101 maybe secured to one another by positioning a link plate 102 over theadjoining reinforcing bars 100, 101, with the openings 106 in the linkplate 102 aligned with the load transfer connectors 105 of theunderlying reinforcing bars 100, 101. The link plate 102 is secured tothe reinforcing bars 100, 101 with the openings 106 mated to the loadtransfer connectors 105. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the link plate 102may mate with load transfer connectors 105 on both adjoining reinforcingbars 100, 101 through the openings 106 in the link plate 102.Alternatively, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the link plate 102 maybe secured to one of the reinforcing bars 100, such as throughshop-welding or field-welding the link plate 102 to the reinforcing bar100, and mated to the load transfer connectors 105 on an adjacentreinforcing bar 101 through the openings 106 in the link plate 102.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-5, in an optional embodiment, a bolt 104secures the link plate 102 to one or both of the underlying reinforcingbars 100, 101. In a further optional embodiment, a cover plate 103 maybe secured over the link plate 102 to cover the mated openings 106 andload transfer connectors 105. In one such optional embodiment, afastener 104 secures the cover plate 103, link plate 102, andreinforcing bars 100, 101 together.

Use of the link plate 102 would permit more standardization of parts asonly a few link plate designs would be needed to properly splice manysizes and shapes of reinforcing bars 100, 101. Additionally, the linkplate 102 could be used on many types of monopole structures, such aswind turbines, pipe poles, stepped poles, tapered poles, or the like.Additionally, using the link plate 102 would be more aesthetic as itwould minimize the number of bolts used at the splices. The completedinstallation would appear more like one continuous reinforcing barconnected to the monopole structure. Thus, the present invention seeksto reduce the amount of drilling needed for splicing the reinforcingplates to thereby speed the installation of monopole reinforcing platesand reduce the cost of augmenting and reinforcing monopoles.

While certain embodiments of the present invention have been shown anddescribed it is to be understood that the present invention is subjectto many modifications and changes without departing from the spirit andscope of the claims presented herein.

1. A system configured to reinforce a monopole, the system comprising: afirst reinforcing bar having an inner, monopole-engagement surface andan outer surface, the inner and outer surfaces of the first reinforcingbar spaced from one another along a first direction, the firstreinforcing bar defining at least one opening; a second reinforcing barhaving an inner, monopole-engagement surface and an outer surface, theinner and outer surfaces of the second reinforcing bar spaced from oneanother along the first direction; a first load transfer connectorconfigured to be received in the at least one opening of the firstreinforcing bar such that the first load transfer connector extends outfrom the outer surface of the first reinforcing bar, wherein the firstload transfer connector comprises a monopole-facing surface that isconfigured to be received in the at least one opening of the firstreinforcing bar such that the monopole-facing surface of the first loadtransfer connector faces an outer surface of the monopole when thesystem is mounted onto the monopole, wherein the monopole-facing surfaceof the first load transfer connector is disposed adjacent the outersurface of the monopole when the system is mounted onto the monopole;and a link plate configured to overlay at least a portion of the firstreinforcing bar, the link plate defining at least one opening configuredto mate with the first load transfer connector when the link plateoverlays the at least a portion of the first reinforcing bar. 2.(canceled)
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the link plate is attachedto the outer surface of the second reinforcing bar.
 4. The system ofclaim 3, wherein the link plate is attached to the outer surface of thesecond reinforcing bar by welding.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein theat least one opening in the link plate is configured to mate with thefirst load transfer connector when the first load transfer connector iscoupled to the first reinforcing bar and the first and secondreinforcing bars are arranged end-to-end.
 6. The system of claim 1,wherein each of the first and second reinforcing bars has a first end,and a second end offset from the first end along a second direction,perpendicular to the first direction, and the at least one opening inthe link plate is configured to mate with the first load transferconnector when the second end of the first reinforcing bar is disposedadjacent to the first end of the second reinforcing bar.
 7. The systemof claim 6, wherein the first load transfer connector extends out fromthe first reinforcing bar at a location that is closer to the second endof the first reinforcing bar than the first end of the first reinforcingbar when the first load transfer connector is coupled to the firstreinforcing bar.
 8. (canceled)
 9. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising a cover plate configured to overlay at least a portion of thelink plate.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the cover plate securesthe first load transfer connector in the at least one opening of thefirst reinforcing bar.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the at leastone opening of the link plate is configured to mate with the first loadtransfer connector with an interference fit.
 12. The system of claim 1,wherein the first load transfer connector has a rectangular crosssection.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one opening ofthe link plate is configured to receive the first load transferconnector, while the first load transfer connector is received in the atleast one opening of the first reinforcing bar.
 14. A method forreinforcing a monopole, the method comprising: installing areinforcement system onto the monopole such that first and secondreinforcing bars of the reinforcement system are fastened to themonopole, at least one load transfer connector of the reinforcementsystem is received in at least one opening of the first reinforcing bar,a link plate of the reinforcement system overlies at least a portion ofeach of the first and second reinforcing bars, and at least one openingof the link plate mates with the at least one load transfer connectorwherein the at least one first load transfer connector comprises amonopole-facing surface that is configured to be received in the atleast one opening of the first reinforcing bar such that themonopole-facing surface of the at least one first load transferconnector faces an outer surface of the monopole when the system ismounted onto the monopole, wherein the monopole-facing surface of the atleast one first load transfer connector is disposed adjacent the outersurface of the monopole when the system is mounted onto the monopole.15. The method of claim 14, wherein the installing step furthercomprises disposing a cover plate to overlay at least a portion of thelink plate, wherein the cover plate secures the at least one first loadtransfer connector in the at least one opening of the first reinforcingbar.
 16. (canceled)
 17. The method of claim 14, wherein the installingstep comprises a step of overlaying the link plate over at least aportion of each of the first and second reinforcing bars such that theat least one opening mates with the at least one load transferconnector.
 18. A system configured to reinforce a monopole, the systemcomprising: a first reinforcing bar abutting a monopole, the firstreinforcing bar defining a plurality of first openings; a secondreinforcing bar abutting one or more of the first reinforcing bar andthe monopole, the second reinforcing bar defining a plurality of secondopenings; and a plurality of load transfer connectors, each of theplurality of load transfer connectors configured to be received inrespective aligned openings of the plurality of first openings of thefirst reinforcing bar and the plurality of second openings of the secondreinforcing bar such that the plurality of load transfer connectorsextend away from the monopole and through one or more of the firstreinforcing bar and the second reinforcing bar, wherein each of theplurality of load transfer connectors comprises a monopole-facingsurface that is disposed adjacent an outer surface of the monopole whenthe system is mounted onto the monopole.
 19. (canceled)
 20. The systemof claim 18, further comprising a cover plate configured to overlay atleast a portion of the link plate, wherein the cover plate secures theplurality of load transfer connectors in each of the plurality of firstopenings of the first reinforcing bar and the plurality of secondopenings of the second reinforcing bar.
 21. The system of claim 1,wherein the first load transfer connector has a cross-sectional shape,taken along at least one orthogonal axis, that is generally rectangular.22. The method of claim 14, wherein the first load transfer connectorhas a cross-sectional shape, taken along at least one orthogonal axis,that is generally rectangular.
 23. The system of claim 18, wherein oneor more of the plurality of load transfer connectors has across-sectional shape, taken along at least one orthogonal axis, that isgenerally rectangular.
 24. The system of claim 18, further comprising alink plate configured to overlay at least a portion of the firstreinforcing bar and the second reinforcing bar, the link plate definingopenings configured to mate with the plurality of load transferconnectors that are received in the plurality of first openings of thefirst reinforcing bar and the plurality of second openings of the secondreinforcing bar when the link plate overlays the at least a portion ofthe first reinforcing bar and the second reinforcing bar.